It's Saturday afternoon, Dad's been watching wrestling, football and dull adult stuff all day. But at last, you're sitting in front of the fire, you have some cheese on toast and it's time for....The Basil Brush Show.

The Basil Brush Show was the greatest ever television programme ever. Well maybe. The format was simple, Basil would appear accompanied by Mr 'such and such', the straight man, these included at various times Mr Roy (Roy North) and Mr Derek (Derek Fowlds). Basil would then receive some guests, watch somebody spinning plates, modelling balloons or singing songs or doing some second rate magic. The show ended with the famous story, narrated by Basil's companion and constantly interrupted by the cheeky, monocled rascal.

Running jokes included, referring to "the hounds" whenever Basil was getting too out of hand, and grabbing his snout when he got absolutely unbearable. Basil always insisted that he didn't have a tail but a 'brush' - he was rather sensitive about that. Anyone between the ages of 25 and 35 who is worth their salt can recount Basil's famous "Boom Boom" laughter.

Basil was/is a phenomenon, his humour cutting anyone down to size. He could make children laugh until the tears rolled down their face while their parents chuckled away. Long live Basil.